Development of bulk-type all-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery using LiBH4 electrolyte

Stable battery operation of a bulk-type all-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery was demonstrated by using a LiBH4 electrolyte. The electrochemical activity of insulating elemental sulfur as the positive electrode was enhanced by the mutual dispersion of elemental sulfur and carbon in the composite powders. Subsequently, a tight interface between the sulfur-carbon composite and the LiBH4 powders was manifested only by cold-pressing owing to the highly deformable nature of the LiBH4 electrolyte. The high reducing ability of LiBH4 allows using the use of a Li negative electrode that enhances the energy density. The results demonstrate the interface modification of insulating sulfur and the architecture of an all-solid-state Li-S battery configuration with high energy density. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.